Nevada Department of Veterans Services Newsletter February 2018
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Nevada Ceremonies Planned for
National Vietnam War Veterans Day
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By Terri Hendry
(Las Vegas, Carson City) National Vietnam War Veterans Day is March 29, 2018. The day is set aside to honor the men and women who served and sacrificed during the longest conflict in United States history.
In Nevada, at least two big ceremonies are planned. In Las Vegas, National Vietnam War Veterans Day will be observed in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Las Vegas Veterans Memorial, located in front of the Grant Sawyer Building at 555 East Washington Avenue. The ceremony will start at 1:30 p.m.
Another ceremony will be held in Carson City on March 31
st
at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Mills Park beginning at 5:00 p.m.
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Dedication Ceremony Scheduled for Long-Awaited
Korean War Memorial
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By Terri Hendry
The Korean War is sometimes referred to as the "Forgotten War." But as Las Vegas PBS producer/reporter Doug Puppel would write last summer, the Southern Nevada Korean War veterans and members of the Korean community have been working hard to make the war "less forgotten" by building a Korean War Memorial to recognize and honor those who served.
The Southern Nevada chapter of the
Korean War Veterans Association
has been busy raising funds and getting approvals to build the memorial at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City. The memorial will recognize and honor those who served.
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"Virtual" Honor Flight to Bring Experience Home to
Vets Who Cannot Travel
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By Chuck N. Baker
(Las Vegas) - One of the most popular and high visibility programs aimed honoring America's older veterans is "Honor Flight." In Nevada, there is an "Honor Flight Nevada" and "Honor Flight Southern Nevada," both under the same "Honor Flight" umbrella but serving veterans in different parts of the State.
The program provides a roundtrip airplane ticket to selected veterans, at no cost to the veteran, so they may see "their" memorial in person. For various reasons, these veterans may never get the opportunity to personally see their war memorial erected to honor and thank them for their service and sacrifice at our Nation's Capitol.
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Governor Sandoval Recognizes and Honors U.S. Army Veteran
for Selfless Service
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(Carson City, NV) U.S. Army veteran David Meeker has proven himself an able leader and willing volunteer, supporting Nevada's military members and fellow veterans. That is why he was chosen to receive the
Veteran of the Month
award and honor.
Meeker received the
Veteran of the Month
award in a special ceremony held on January 23, 2018 in Carson City. Governor Brian Sandoval presented Meeker with a plaque after thanking him for countless volunteer hours, serving fellow veterans, and supporting the military community. After the Governor was finished, Veteran Service Commission Chairman Bill Baumann pinned the special
Veteran of the Month
pin on Meeker's lapel.
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USS Corvina Submarine Project
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Members of the U.S. Submarine Veterans Corvina Base are working on something very exciting. Additionally, the members have a unique request asking for help from the community.
Before we get to the request, the group would like to share some new developments. Work is underway with the State of Nevada Museum, Nevada Department of Administration, Nevada Department of Veterans Services and others to create a display remembering and honoring those who served on the USS Corvina submarine.
The display would be placed in the lobby of the State Library as the back door leads to the Veteran's Memorial Wall between the library and Capitol Building. The veterans have a 10-foot model of the sea vessel that would be used in the display. The next step is to see what other related artifacts are out there and track them down! Once the display is put together, there will be a dedication ceremony! Watch this space for more information as it becomes available!
As for the request, the group has a 35-foot-long USS Corvina parade float. They need a new place to store it! If you can help in this endeavor contact Steve Salzman, Base Commander at
sdshs@earthlink.net
or call us at NDVS at 775-771-2800 and we can put you in touch with Steve Salzman.
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Las Vegas One of Seven Cities Selected for Program to
Reduce Veteran Suicides
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Las Vegas is one of seven cities chosen by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to participate in the inaugural
Mayor’s Challenge
to prevent suicide among service members, veterans and their families.
The goal of the Mayor’s Challenge is to eliminate suicide by using a comprehensive public health approach to suicide prevention. Last month VA Secretary Dr. David Shulkin said, “Of the 20 suicides a day that we reported last year, 14 were not under VA care.” This presents unique challenges in reaching and treating these individuals in need, which this program seeks to address.
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Regulations Revised on Emergency Treatment of Veterans
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Heads Up! The VA announced last month new regulations regarding reimbursement for emergency treatment of veterans. Read more here:
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The VA is announcing its facilities are offering same-day care for Urgent Primary Care and Mental Health Care. Read more here:
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VA Town Hall Provides Needed Information
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By Chuck N. Baker
In early January, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) held its Quarterly Town Hall meeting and Resource Fair at its southern Nevada health care facility. Some 50 different community organizations and various government agencies came together to provide information for veterans, family members and caregivers.
Workshops covered a wide range of topics from caregiver support to financial management as well as planning and management for Post 9-11 veterans.
For those who could not attend the event, below is a look at some of the key questions raised and answered in a "Q & A" session:
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VA Opens Health Clinic in Fallon
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Celebration kicks off opening of the new Veterans Administration Lahontan Valley Outpatient Clinic. Read more here:
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Southern Nevada Veterans Home Named 5 Star-Top Performer
Once Again
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B
y Terri Hendry
(Boulder City, NV) The Nevada State Veterans Home recently received a 5 Star rating, the highest score possible, from U.S. News & World Report Best Nursing Homes in health inspections, nurse staffing and measures of medical quality of care.
The U.S. News & World Report evaluated more than 15,000 homes nationwide. Of that number, 2,005 received an overall rating of 4.5 to 5 Stars. Also, of the 54 nursing homes in Nevada, only nine received an overall 5 Star, top performing rating.
This 5 Star rating is different than the Quality Rating System from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). CMS has a similar star ranking system. The Nevada State Veterans Home has also received a 5 Star rating from CMS and today still maintains the highest score possible from the federal agency.
The U.S. News & World Report Best Nursing Homes rating joins a long list of accomplishments, awards and high rankings at the Boulder City, Nevada skilled care facility. The staff too is also award winning and remains dedicated to providing exceptional care.
It doesn't happen often, but there are currently a few openings for new residents. Click the link below for more information on the Nevada State Veterans Home. There is also an application package located at the bottom of the page:
http://www.veterans.nv.gov/page/veterans-home
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Brain Research Involving Women Veterans
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The VA’s National PTSD Brain Bank is collaborating with the PINK concussions group, encouraging women veterans to donate their brain upon death for the purpose of
research of the effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder. Read more about it here:
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Three New Veteran Service Officers Hired to Serve Las Vegas
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(Las Vegas) The Nevada Department of Veterans Services hired three new Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) last month. If you didn't already know, VSOs can assist veterans and their families in a number of ways and their services are free.
These individuals receive special training to become accredited so they can connect you to benefits earned through your military service including; compensation, education, vocational and rehabilitation and employment, home loans, life insurance, pension, health care, as well as burial benefits.
They can help you write and submit your benefits claims to the Veterans Administration (VA). They will help you gather the information that supports your claim. Once the claim is filed, they will help you track your claim through the system. They can also help you file appeals for denied claims.
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Boccia Ball Tournament Keeps Disabled Veterans Active and
Provides Competitive Outlet
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By Chuck N. Baker
(Las Vegas) Boccia is a game of strategy and accuracy that was originally designed to be played by people with cerebral palsy. Now, the sport includes athletes with impairments that affect motor skills.
Last month in Las Vegas, the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Nevada Chapter, held a Boccia tournament. According to Jason Stubbeman, a certified game referee, “Boccia is one of the few sports that provides a competitive outlet for individuals with moderate to severe cerebral palsy." He added, "It allows these individuals to gain independence and motivation.”
Dan Kaminski is the President of the local Paralyzed Veterans. The former Navy Petty Officer said, “Anything we can think of we’ll do to get the disabled vet more active and out into the community . . . like this Boccia tournament.”
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Wartime Veterans: Find Out If You Qualify for VA pension enefits
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Are you a wartime Veteran? Are you over age 65 or totally and permanently disabled? Do you have limited or no income? If so, you may be eligible to receive VA pension benefits.
What is VA pension?
VA pension is a needs-based, tax-free monetary benefit for eligible wartime Veterans. It is a supplemental income provided by VA to help eligible Veterans and their families cope with financial challenges.
Are family members eligible for VA survivors pension benefits?
Surviving spouses who have not remarried and dependent children of deceased wartime Veterans may also qualify if the survivors meet net worth and income requirements and the Veteran has qualifying service.
Are additional benefits available for Veterans who require the aid of another person?
Yes, Veterans and survivors who require the aid of another person in order to perform personal functions required in activities of daily living or are housebound may qualify for pension at an increased rate.
Click here
to find out if you or a family member qualifies for VA pension benefits.
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Challenges Ahead as Nellis Air Force Base Seeks Test Range Expansion
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By Chuck N. Baker
(North Las Vegas) The Air Force would like to expand
its vast training range in southern Nevada and close off more of the Desert National Wildlife Refuge.
But many of the area’s residents are not happy with expansion.
Nellis held a series of five public hearings last month and heard mostly negative feedback from professional conservationists and other citizens. Several military spokesmen explained the range is designed to test and evaluate Department of Defense systems and ensure combat readiness. They also said the area under consideration is one of the few locations that will provide the nation with dedicated military restricted airspace on a scale capable of supporting major combat operations training and testing.
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First Female F-16 Pilot Graduates from USAF Weapons School
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Congratulations to Captain Clancy Morrical! Read more here:
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Mesquite Interagency Meeting focuses on veterans' issues
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Two key programs, aimed at serving veterans and their families, became the focus of the first Interagency Meeting of 2018 held in Mesquite. The discussion highlighted the monetary advantages for Nevada employers who hire veterans and provided information on becoming a Certified Veterans Advocate, through a free online course. Read more here:
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Veteran Suicide Prevention Discussed at Carson City Meeting
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Nevada Rural Counties Retired and Senior Volunteers Program focus on veteran suicide prevention in January meeting. Read more here:
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First Female General Who Served as an Army Nurse Dies Age 97
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Grant Award Supports Opportunities for Veterans, Young People to
Work on Southern Nevada's Public Lands
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By Jocelyn Torres, Conservation Lands Foundation
The Conservation Lands Foundation (CLF) is announcing a great opportunity for veterans and eligible young people looking to gain some work experience.
CLF has received a $50,000 grant from NV Energy Foundation to support military veterans and young people who are part of the Nevada Conservation Corps to work at Sloan Canyon National Conservation, Basin and Range National Monument and Gold Butte National Monument.
The corps members will work for two months building and repairing trails, installing new educational signs, conducting habitat restoration and gathering data for management planning.
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From Service to Civilian: NDVS Program Takes Aim at
Getting Veterans Hired
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By Terri Hendry
(Las Vegas, NV)
The unemployment numbers in Nevada remain low and steady. In fact, according to the July 2017 report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, they're now showing the Silver State with a slight 2.7 percent increase in non-farming payroll. While those numbers seem encouraging, tell that to someone who is still struggling to find a good paying job.
The numbers don't always tell the complete picture. Depending on their skill set, landing that good paying job can be a challenge, particularly for military members transitioning from service to civilian. That's in part what the Patriot Employer Program seeks to address.
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Panama, Operation Just Cause
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In 2018 NDVS will be honoring every veteran, living and deceased. This month we are highlighting those who served in Panama from December 1989 through January 1990. Yes, this month marks an anniversary! Great article below from the Army Heritage and Education Center. Always remember, never forget! Thank you for your service!
Also, check out our NDVS Facebook page and "like" it to get the latest veteran information and veteran recognitions!
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Tet Offensive Remembrance
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A Tet Offensive Remembrance was held in Las Vegas, January 27th at the American Legion Post 8. The Tet Offensive was launched by the Viet Cong January 31, 1968 before dawn continuing all the way into March. The action marked a significant milestone. It shocked Americans into questioning whether the Vietnam War could be won.
Thank you and a big shout-out and salute to the men and women who served in the Vietnam War.
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Nevada Veterans Advocate News
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Happy New Year! On January 19th and 20th, the Attorney General's Office of Military Legal Assistance kicked off the first of four planned meetings being held at the Reno VA Medical Center. These two day meetings provide veterans and veteran family members with free legal assistance. Meetings have been scheduled at the Las Vegas VA as well as in rural Nevada including; Pahrump, Mesquite, Winnemucca, Yerington, Elko, Ely and Carson City.
Upcoming dates in Las Vegas are February 23-24 and the next Reno dates are April 13-14. NDVS has also partnered with the VA and OMLA providing Veteran Service Officers to assist veterans with claims and NVAs to provide benefit information. Tim Zysk and Graham Stafford both Northern Nevada NVAs worked the recent event in Reno and with the VSOs met with more than 15 veterans and family members over the two days.
In other NVA news, NDVS is fortunate to have a number of Veteran Advocates trained and living in rural areas of Nevada. Ed Kaatz, Skip Becker and Larry Osborne have all been serving their communities. Ed Kaatz provides state benefit information at American Legion, VFW and Chamber of Commerce meetings in Yerington, Smith Valley and Mason Valley and makes himself available to meet with veterans on a regular basis.
Skip Becker works with veterans in the Winnemucca area and represents veterans at monthly meetings of the Family Stability Council which brings together service providers in Winnemucca. Larry Osborne has participated in several events in the Carson City area and is working with management at Richards Crossing, where nearly half the residents are veterans. Larry will be meeting with the veteran residents on a regular basis to provide benefit information and resources.
We appreciate all of our Veteran Advocates who continually volunteer to help veterans in Nevada.
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Office of Military Legal Assistance
The Attorney General’s Office of Military Legal Assistance @EASE program is hosting free, collaborative workshops with Nevada Legal Services dedicated to drafting wills and powers of attorney for Nevada veterans. The @EASE program is the nation’s first attorney general-led, public-private partnership offering our military communities access to pro bono civil legal services. The @EASE program has won the Department of Defense Best Practices Award for best legislation and statewide pro bono services.
Workshops will take place at least once per month throughout the State of Nevada. The workshops are free and open to all Nevada veterans and immediate family members. Representatives from the Nevada Department of Veterans Services, U.S. Veteran Affairs and other veteran organizations regularly attend to answer and address veteran questions concerning disability, pensions, employment and many other areas. For more information on upcoming workshops, please email
Hcooney@ag.nv.gov
and visit
nvagomla.nv.gov.
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Free Legal Assistance for Veterans
Office of Military Legal Assistance Schedule
Las Vegas
VA Medical Center
6900 North Pecos Road, North Las Vegas
Auditorium, from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Check in by NOON
February 23-24, 2018
May 11-12, 2018
August 10-11, 2018
October 12-13, 2018
For more information call (775) 684-1100
Reno VA Medical Center
975 Kirman Avenue, Reno
Rooms L1927 and L1929, from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Check in by NOON
April 13-14, 2018
July 13-14, 2018
November 2-3, 2018
For more information call (775) 684-1100
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Free Legal Assistance for Veterans
Nevada Legal Services Schedule
Yerington Nevada Legal Services
720 Main Street, Unit A, Yerington
December 5, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
"Ask a Lawyer" is a free program offered by Nevada Legal Services for those dealing with a housing issue, debt collectors, foreclosure, or in need of legal advice.
Call to make your reservation at (775) 284-3491 or (775) 463-1222.
Fallon VFW Post 1002
405 South Main Street, Fallon
December 13, 2017 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
"Ask a Lawyer" is a free program offered by Nevada Legal Services for those dealing with a housing issue, debt collectors, foreclosure, or in need of legal advice.
Call to make your reservation at (775) 284-3491
Carson City Veteran's Resource Center
106 East Adams Street, Suite 203, Carson City
December 20, 2017 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Nevada Legal Services is hosting a free educational presentation about debt collection and what options and defenses are available for you. Call to make your reservation at
(775) 284-3491.
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Veteran Service Officers
NDVS Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) are available to assist any veteran, family member of a veteran, or Nevada resident on active duty.
NDVS offers free assistance with filing claims for service-connected disabilities, non-service-connected pension, and other benefits afforded by the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA).
There are three locations;
Reno, 775-321-4880; Las Vegas, 702-224-6025; and Elko, 775-777-1000.
Assistance includes aid in the filing of claims, support during the appeals process, representation at local hearings, and guidance with requests for discharge upgrades. To schedule a claims appointment at one of our offices, call the number of the office closest to you.
In addition to in-office appointments, NDVS offers Rural Outreach events in the following areas:
North --
Austin, Gardnerville, Hawthorne, Silver Springs, Battle Mountain, Ely, West Wendover and Winnemucca
South
-- Beatty, Laughlin, Mesquite, Pahrump and Tonopah
For more information on our Rural Outreach, or to schedule an appointment during one of our Rural Outreach events, please call one of the numbers listed above to contact a VSO in your region.
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Contact the Veterans Assistance and Support Team (VAST) office closest to you (Listings above) to see when we will be in your area!
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Pahrump every Monday, Wednesday and Friday
VAMC Reno every Wednesday and Thursday
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